Hannibal boys cross county team wins sectional title

The Hannibal boys cross county team won the Section III Class C championship meet that was held at Vernon-Verona Sherrill High School Saturday. The meet consisted of 157 athletes from 19 different schools. In front are Coach Dan Pawlewicz, freshman Jason McFarland, and freshman Blake Farnham. In back are senior captain Ryan Perry, senior Kyle Cooper, junior Ben Slate, senior captain Erick Febus, senior Frank Lackey, junior Zane Pointon, junior Ben Raymond, and freshman John Motell.

by Rob Tetro

The Hannibal boys cross county team won the Section III Class C championship meet that was held at Vernon-Verona Sherrill High School Saturday.

The meet consisted of 157 athletes from 19 different schools. Even though Holland Patent, Tully and Adirondack proved to be as tough as expected, The Warriors, encouraged by a noticeable contingent of hometown support, tallied a team score of 90 to clinch Hannibal’s first sectional championship.

The Warriors were led by senior captain Ryan Perry, who finished first with a time of 17:14.7. Following Perry were Kyle Cooper, who came in 19th place with a time of 18:31.1, and Ben Slate, who earned a 21st place finish with a time of 18:33.5.

Senior Captain Erick Febus came in 23rd place with a time of 18:39.3 while Jason McFarland earned a 26th place finish with a time of 18:42.2. Frank Lackey came in 32nd place with a time of 18:59.1.

Zane Pointon earned a 64th place finish with a time of 20:08.7 and Blake Farnham came in 80th place with a time of 20:32.2. Ben Raymond earned an 86th place finish with a time of 20:38.7 while John Motell came in 96th place with a time of 20:51.9.

Coach Dan Pawlewicz said his team strives to succeed for more than just themselves: they work hard to succeed for their classmates and neighbors in the community as well.

A notable contingent of the students and other members of the community return the favor by accompanying them to events as they did for the sectional meet. Pawlewicz expressed appreciation and gratuity to Hannibal’s student body and other hometown supporters for all that they do.

Hannibal will participate in the Class C state championship meet this Saturday at Elma Meadows Golf Course, which is located outside of Buffalo.

One thought on “Hannibal boys cross county team wins sectional title”

Congratulations team Hannibal, parents, and coach Pawlewicz! This is one that deserves not to be forgotten.
Against all the odds this amazing group of competitors had the fortitude to show up for the Section III championship meet and found a way to win the Title.
This is a success story that is really a life lesson for us all.
It all starts out with the commitment of a family; parents, grandparents, step parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, teachers, community members, and businesses all coming together, (and you know who you are) to make sure these kids went to school every day and participate, went and participated in practice, found a way to get their homework done, provide a good meal, and most importantly gave them the love needed to grow and be strong.
The school district; for finding a way with limited resources to back their own; to have the insight to move a rally to a different date so as to set the proper tone for these runners before they go into competition. Brilliant!
For the chef, Coach Dan Pawlewicz, who blended these ingredients together and created a perfect harmony for continual growth, respect, honor, and commitment not only for the runners but for all of us lucky enough to be in his presence. We are all blessed to be part of this young family of competitors and one thing certain this has set the ground work our future program. Good luck at States you have made us all proud!